Retiring Stamps Blog Hop!

Welcome to Stampin Addicts Blog Hop

Theme: Retiring Stamp Sets

April 27 - April 29

Click Here for the complete list of featured stamp sets.

If you arrived here from Sara Mattson-Blume's blog, Lily's Ink Pad, then you are in the correct spot. If you just hopped on, no worries! The Hop goes full circle - just follow the links at the end of this post.

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I am featuring the stamp set, I (Heart) Hearts. It has been around a few years and I love it because it is so versatile. In other words, it isn't just for Valentine's Day!

I went to a wedding over the weekend and made this card/gift card holder for the new couple.

I (Heart) Hearts is perfect for wedding cards! I stamped the hearts on Whisper White cardstock with Versamark. Then I embossed with White. The color comes from lightly sponging Pink Pirouette ink over the embossed images. I needed a sentiment so I stamped and embossed the soon to retire, Sincere Salutations (Best Wishes) in the center of the open heart image. 

Opened, the card reveals a Gift Card Holder made with the Scallop Envelope Die that I made a little longer to accommodate the card.

Another embossed heart keeps the card from slipping out! 

Stamps: I (Heart) Hearts, Sincere Salutations, Gods Blessings - all retiring

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Versamark, Pink Pirouette, Basic Gray (sentiment inside)

Other: Heart to Heart Punch (RETIRING!), White Embossing Powder, Big Shot, Scallop Envelope Die, Corner Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Pinking Hearts Border Punch (RETIRING!), Adorning Accents Embossing Folder (hearts), White Satin Ribbon (RETIRING!), Basic Pearls, sponge, dimensionals

A new baby in my brother's family was the reason for my next card! It isn't the exact one I sent him, but it did inspire this Pop Up Card! (I'll show you my nephew's card another time).

Not only did I stamp hearts on the background, I made a patterned baby blanket with the smallest of the stamp images. To give the blanket some "bendability" I used the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. First though, I die cut it with the Square Scallop bigz die. 

The baby pops up which is hard to tell from the photo's angle. 

The outside of the card, with more hearts, and some buttons.

Stamps: I (Heart) Hearts, God's Blessings - all retiring

Paper: Twitterpated (Occasion's Mini)

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Whisper White

Ink: Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze, Basic Black Marker

Other: Twitterpated Buttons, Big Shot, Labels Framelit, Scallop Square Bigz Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, dimensionals, sponge, Baja Breeze Ribbon, Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, XL Oval Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Heart to Heart Punch (RETIRING!)

And my final project uses the Petite Pocket Bigz Die as a Bookmark Holder. And of course there is a Bookmark involved and both use the I (Heart) Hearts stamp set. This would make a great little gift for Mother's Day.

To make the Bookmark I found it easier to use the Log Cabin Smooch Spritz first. Then I stamped the hearts and added the sentiment from Three Little Words (retiring). An Antique Brad with some Ribbon and Linen Thread were added to the top.

To make the Bookmark Holder, I die cut the Attic Boutique dsp with the Petite Pocket Die, The other side of the dsp clashed with the colors I used so I added a little piece of Pool Party cardstock on the inside. I embellished with a stamped heart, sentiment, button and thread.

Stamps: I (Heart) Hearts, Three Little Words - all retiring

               Delightful Dozen - not retiring

Paper: Attic Boutique (Occasions Mini)

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Pool Party

Ink: Soft Suede, So Saffron, Pool Party

Other: Antique Brad, Linen Thread, Daffodil Delight Ribbon and Button, Log Cabin Smooch Spritz (RETIRING!), sponge, Big Shot, Petite Pocket Bigz die

So don't overlook the versatility of I (Heart) Hearts! It also makes a great masculine card too!

Now it is time to move on to the next creative stop which would be Twila Davis and her blog, Stamp A Little Longer! Enjoy.

Next Blog-------->

Another Stepped Up Swap

Reminder: 
Stampin Addicts Retiring Stamp Set Blog Hop begins tomorrow,
Friday, April 27th (at Noon) and ends Sunday, April 29th!
Each stop will feature one retiring stamp set. Lots of inspiration to behold!



Well. If you checked in yesterday, you may remember my stepped up swaps that I did for a Stampin Addicts  Stepped Up Swap a few weeks ago.

I have 2 more such cards to show you today! This time I used the stamp set, Just Believe.

Here is the Basic Version of the card.

I stamped the background with the largest stamp in the set. This is an easy way to add some interest to the background but not overpowering the focal point. I happen to love the Lace Border Punch (and it is RETIRING!) so I added that across the bottom. And some tiny Basic Pearls are my only bling.

My Stepped Up Version of the same card.

It is the exact same card except for:

Embossed Very Vanilla layer

Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon - RETIRING!

Itty Bitty Punched flowers  - with Basic Pearl centers

Basic Pearls in the corner. 

Again, both cards are suitable, but if you want to make a card extra special, adding a few embellishments can make all of the difference!

Stamps: Just Believe

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink

Ink: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso

Other: Basic Pearls, Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon (RETIRING!), Lace Border Punch (RETIRING!), Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Big Shot, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder

Retiring Accessories List in PDF

Don't forget to come back tomorrow at Noon for the Retiring Stamp Set Blog Hop!

Thanks for stopping by!

Retiring Accessories List - While They Last!

The Retiring Accessories List is now available! And WOW, what a doozy it is!

Before you check it out I should warn you. All Classic Ink Pads are retiring because Stampin' Up! has come up with a New, and Improved Stamp Pad! Same design, just a new "firm foam" ink pad. They sound awesome! They are recommending to only use the current Refills on the current Stamp Pads.

Click here for the PDF list. Many items are discounted! 

And remember: while supplies last.

Step It Up

Today I have 2 cards for your viewing pleasure. A few weeks ago I participated in a swap over at Stampin Addicts. It was called a "Step It Up Swap". We had to make 2 cards with the same stamp set. The first card was a basic design and the second card was the same design but "stepped up".

This was my first card using the stamp set Easy Events.

It is pretty basic. The image is stamped on Whisper White cardstock and colored with Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen. Those Watercolor Pencils are what hooked me into stamping!

As you can see, the only thing I added to the card was a Basic Rhinestone on the cupcake. Everything else is pretty plain.

Now this is my Stepped Up version of the same card. The additions are subtle.

First I embossed the background with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. That, in of itself, adds alot to a card. But I wanted some sparkle on my cupcake so I added Dazzling Diamond Glitter. Grosgrain Ribbon is always a wonderful addition to any card! And finally I used the Scallop Border Punch and punched the bottom of the Baja Breeze layer. 

All of these little extras can really jazz up a card, especially birthday cards when you may want it to be a little extra special!

Stamps: Easy Events

Paper: Just Add Cake

Cardstock: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Early Espresso

Ink: Black Stazon

Other: Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pen, Basic Rhinestone, 1/4" Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon (RETIRING!), Scallop Border Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Dazzling Diamond Glitter, Basic Rhinestone, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder

I have another Stepped Up Swap tomorrow.
And a reminder!

Stampin Addicts Retiring Stamp Set Blog Hop is this week!
Friday, April 27 - Sunday, April 29
16 Retiring Stamp Sets will be featured. Hope you can join us!

On a Mission to Use Up Paper

This card was made totally with leftover scraps that I just want to use up. Sometimes I like to challenge myself to take a group of rejected images and/or paper and make a card. 

The image is leftover from this swap card. It uses the same technique of embossing vellum and coloring the reverse side with markers. 

Stamps: Bordering on Romance (Occ. Mini)

Paper: Vellum, Twitterpated (Occ. Mini)

Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Gray, Pear Pizzazz

Ink: Versamark, Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Riding Hood Red, Island Indigo

Other: Baja Breeze Ribbon and Buttons (both from Occ. Mini), Big Shot, Labels Framelits (Occ. Mini), Scallop Circle Punch, Circle Punch

Thanks for stopping!

Two Easy Events

Today I have 2 cards to show you. They are similar because they use the same stamp set, colors, and designer paper. But they differ in how I used the various elements.

The In Color, Poppy Parade will be retiring May 31st. It will be missed!

And I made these were mailable so there are no brads, buttons or bows. I did add a little glitter to the flowers' centers though. Gotta have some bling!

Stamps: Easy Events

Paper: Attic Boutique (Occ. Mini), Flirtatious Specialty 

Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Pool Party, Daffodil Delight

Other:Dazzling Diamonds glitter, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Big Shot, Label Framelit, Finial Press Emb. folder, Corner Punch

Have a great day! And thank goodness it is Friday!

Kitty Sympathy

One of the people who went to Israel with us just lost her kitty to illness and old age. While in Israel we were the 2 that were taking pictures of the many cats we saw as well as sharing our lunches with them! I heard all about her beloved cat and of course she had to hear my funny stories about Gideon. We bonded over our love of animals as well as our love for Israel. 

She told me 2 weeks ago that her kitty had passed so I immediately made her this card to show her I understood her loss. She was very touched. Her kitty was black so I embossed the image with black embossing powder.

And because cats are always doing crazy things like stepping in paint, I added some red paw prints just for fun. 

Little did I know when I made my card that the stamp set, C is for Cat is retiring! I love this set so I will be hanging on to it for sure! If it has been on your wish list, you may want to purchase it before May 31st!

Stamps: C is for Cat

Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Black Stazon, Versamark

Other: Basic Rhinestones, Black Embossing Powder, circle punch

Thanks for checking in!

The Retired Stamp List

The Retired Stamp List for this year has been revealed! It is a little longer than usual because Stampin' Up! is making room for more new stamps. So if there is anything you want, need, can't live without, this is your last chance!

Dates Available for purchase: 

April 15 - May 31, 2012 (see Other dates below)

The PDF version can be viewed Here.

To place an order, go to my Online Store and click Shop Now.

Other Dates to Remember:

•  Retired Accessory List will be revealed on April 25th
•  New Idea Book and Catalog will be available on June 1st!

Clearance Rack: has just been updated so you may find some more things to add to your shopping cart. 

It can be found Here. Then click on Shop Now.

Tutorial for the Birthday Pop Up card

As promised, here is the tutorial for my Sister-in-law's Pop Up Birthday card. It can be viewed here. You will need to scroll past my kitty photos. :)

You will need:

• Colored cardstock for the base. I used Soft Suede
• Very Vanilla cardstock for the pop up insert. Note: my original uses Very Vanilla. The cardstock in these photos is Whisper White.
• Coordinating designer paper - I used Mocha Morning dsp
• Coordinating ribbon - I used Very Vanilla Satin and Very Vanilla Taffeta
• Paper Snips
• Bone Folder
• Scoring Board
• Ruler and pencil
• Snail Adhesive
• One Sided Tape such as Scotch Tape
• Mini Glue Dots 

TIP: If you are not sure how this works, you may want to use scrap paper first.

And one final note. I could charge a fee for this tutorial but I prefer to offer my tutorials for free. My only "fee" is if you do copy/case my card, or any of my projects, please provide a link back to me with full credit. Thanks for understanding!

1. Cut the card base and the neutral cardstock for the insert. Score as shown.

2. Fold the neutral cardstock in half and measure and draw 4 lines as shown. The fold is on the LEFT. These are the measurements I used but they can be adjusted if you want to add more "boxes" or make the "boxes" a different size than mine. 

And don't worry about pencil marks. This is the side that will be adhered to the card base.

3. Cut each line with Paper Snips. You will be cutting through 2 layers of cardstock because the card is still folded in half. Again, the fold is on the LEFT.

4. Fold each cut piece back. Fold it as evenly as possible. Use bone folder to get a crisp fold.

5. When you open up the card (carefully), it will look like this. Stamp your sentiment now just in case you make a mistake. If you do make a mistake you can always cover it up with a stamped and punched sentiment!

6. Now this is how you get the pop up. Mountain fold the "boxes" and Valley fold the card base.

7. Fold the card in half so the "boxes" are in their Mountain fold and use the bone folder to flatten it.

8. This step is important. Before you cut the designer paper, measure the width and length of each "box". I didn't do that for this tutorial and my dsp was too narrow as you will see in the pictures.

9. Once you know the measurements, cut the 3 pieces of designer paper and fold each one in half. Again, my measurements are a little bit off for the "boxes" I cut. 

 Cut the ribbon as shown. 

10. The designer paper will be layered as such. If you have a little dsp hanging over the edge when the card is folded, it will need to be trimmed. Once you know the dsp will fit, attach it with Snail adhesive.

11. To attach the ribbon, use the one sided tape and put a little piece on each end of each piece of ribbon. Tape it down on the back of the "box" as shown. One sided tape is important so your box does not stick together when folded.

12. This is how it should look on one side. Add the ribbon to the other side as well.

13. Add the Snail adhesive as shown. Do one side at a time!

14. Attach the pop up insert one side at a time, centering it on the 3 outside edges. The folded edge should be flush with the card base fold.

15. Add adhesive on the other side and attach to the card base. I added strips of the Mocha Morning dsp to the top and bottom of the inside. This is optional. I don't know the measurements. Sorry. 

Final notes: I attached the bow to the top of the "boxes/presents" by using 2 mini glue dots. Decorate the outside of the card as desired. My card front is Here. Once there, scroll down.

Thanks for all of the positive feedback on my card! 

Two Happy Birthdays!

By two happy birthdays, I mean that today is the birthday of 2 family members. I don't have 2 cards to show you. But, the card I do have is different from my usual fare. 

The first birthday belongs to our kitten, now cat, Gideon. He is 1 year old today!

Here he is as a baby. Awww. He is so cute.

Then he discovered that the back of the sofa makes a great recliner! Here he is as an adolescent.

And still snoozin'. Here he is at 1 year old.

One last photo, just so you know he doesn't sleep all the time. :)

This is what happens when your children grow up and move away. Your pets become your kids. Lol!

And the other birthday today, belongs to my dear, sweet, sister-in-law - mother of 5, soon to be 6 children! Today's birthday card belongs to her.

My inspiration was the Christmas card found Here. I originally saw it on Pinterest. It caught my attention because it is so simple, but so Wow! 

I designed my own card front using the Mocha Morning designer paper. 

The Wow comes when you open up the card and the presents pop up! I LOVE pop up cards.

I made a template first with scrap paper. Then once, the packages were the size I liked, I used Very Vanilla cardstock and covered them with more Mocha Morning dsp and ribbon. So easy. So fun!

Edit (4/12): Due to the amount of requests I have had for directions/tutorial, I will be posting a tutorial soon. Thanks for all of the positive feedback!

Edit (4/13): The tutorial can be found here. It's alot of photos!

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Delightful Dozen, On Your Birthday

Paper: Mocha Morning dsp

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede

Other: Vanilla ribbon, Basic Pearls, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Big Shot, Adorning Accents Emb. Folder

Thanks for stopping by!

Simply Soft

Today's card uses an old sketch from Clean and Simple Stamping. I had forgotten how much I love her sketches. The sketch can be seen by clicking Here.


And this is my clean and simple card. I can't believe the catalog year is almost over and I am just now inking up the Hostess set, Simply Soft!

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Petite Pairs, Simply Soft (Hostess)

Paper: Twitterpated dsp (Occ. Mini)

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White

Ink: Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz

Other: Dazzling Details, Large Oval Punch, Corner Rounder, Dotted Ribbon Border Punch


Thanks for stopping by.

Butterfly Thanks

Hi Stamper friends! I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend. I know I did. And I even found time to stamp!


I am trying to use up some of my designer paper and this card is a great way to do just that.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Elegant Thank You, an "a la carte" stamp

Paper: Paisley Petals dsp

Cardstock: Whisper White, Always Artichoke

Ink: Always Artichoke

Other: Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die, Scallop Border Punch, XL Oval Punch, White Taffeta ribbon

Have a great day!